Get Out Bloomington — Attraction in Bloomington

I had never done an escape room before but I thought I would like them, so when Code and Key opened I had to wrangle a few friends to try it. It was even better than I expected. In the room we did, your task is to search a cryptographer's office, finding clues and solving puzzles that hopefully will lead you to the "Omega Code." We managed to find the code with a little time to spare but it was pretty intense! I think they did a great job playtesting because the puzzles were challenging but fair--they never felt dumbed down but also never felt infuriatingly or unfairly difficult. The decor is also really well done, as you can tell as soon as you step in the lobby. The escape room itself really feels like a professor's office (albeit a very tidy professor), which keeps you immersed in the story. Two more quick points--it's called an "escape room" but at no point are you locked in and the narrative isn't about getting out of the room, it's about finding the code. Another thing is about that lobby, there are two wood mechanical puzzle boxes that you can try. The smaller one (about a one-foot cube) you can try for free, and the larger and more involved one is $5 (but you get a $5 credit for the escape room). The puzzle boxes were designed and made by the Code and Key crew and it's a great demonstration of the thought and cleverness they put into the whole operation. I highly recommend stopping by and at least checking out their lobby and trying the puzzle boxes even if you are on the fence about the escape room. But then do the...

My group of four 12-year-old boys had a great time in the "Artifact" room at the Code and Key Escape Rooms. Because of their age, I was with them in the room during the whole time, mostly observing. The difficulty of the challenges kept increasing during the hour but they never felt unattainable, especially considering the game master's help. That help was vital but was also very well-calibrated, never completely giving the answer, just enough to keep the group moving. One of the best aspects was the fact that we were able to have the room for ourselves with only five people, so this is ideal for smaller groups. The staff was very engaged throughout (especially, obviously, the game master) but they never felt condescending to the kids, who were all very eager to be challenged. I highly recommend this place and hope to come back for the their other escape...

My family went to this escape room. When we arrived the person working was not helpful and looked like she dreaded working there. When we told her our name, she said that she didn't have a reservation. Fortunately the rest of the family showed up and showed her the email confirmation. Due to the size of the group, she put us in a different room, but failed to note the difference in time. The rest of the family went in and had a good time, while I waited for them. They were so excited and I was surprised that no pictures were offered to be taken at the end. I absolutely loved this place when it was Code and Key and unfortunately the staff now don't seem to really care and this seems like any other escape room that are a dime a dozen...